How do you approach the topic of weight with your kids?

[Dumbledormer]

My kids are only young (4 & 2) but my eldest is starting to pick up on food that is healthy and foods that are “treats”. We do the usual message of healthy foods make you big and strong, carrots help you see in the dark etc and in general how healthy foods make you feel good but too many treats will make you feel rubbish. We haven’t ever discussed weight which is fine for now but I am unsure of how to deal with the topic as they get older.

I have been reading a few posts recently that give the impression that talking about weight can lead to a whole load of issues so most parents focus on what healthy foods do for your body and completely skirt around the fact that unhealthy foods in excess will cause weight gain which causes health problems. I understand it’s to try to prevent any disordered eating but I also think we should be able to speak to our kids about weight and why it is important to maintain a healthy weight throughout our lives.

Nope, it's worked for (counts on fingers) about 25 years so far.

Other people eat a rub of ice cream when they're sad. DD takes a bowl of strawberries with her to eat in the bath.

@Ivyy DD developed acne, put on weight and also started to show excess body hair. She was brilliant when she saw the GP - she set out the concerns she had, the reasons why she thought it may be PCOS and told him that I also had it. She refused to accept "wait and see" and insisted on a blood test. GP agreed and results coupled with symptoms plus me having it meant she was given a diagnosis.
She doesn't count calories but she (we) are very mindful of carbs. She also, through trial and error, knows that dairy and sugar don't suit her either, so made the choice to avoid both. She also went on the pill (Destrogel I think). Her skin is great now (she's 19).

This has actually made my day! ❤️

I think modelling and providing a balanced , healthy diet is the best course. I really disagree with the idea that we need to caution children about weight/ gaining weight…

Talking about keeping our bodies healthy, making sure we give our bodies the fuel they need etc are better ways of addressing this.

Sadly, although it’s true that being overweight is unhealthy, I think there is no way to discuss this neutrally in our society which attaches worth to weight (especially for women).

i grew up with discussions of weight, diets, ‘naughty foods’ and ‘being good’ by not eating treats. I’ve never had a healthy relationship with food or my body, and have worked hard not to pass this on to my kids!